THE SMILE: Wall Of Eyes

Hold your Radiohead questions, please. We might not have a follow-up to A Moon Shaped Pool anytime soon, but The Smile, consisting of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, along with Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet, is more than a side hustle. The trio is shaping up to be a nicely prolific little surprise, and their second album, Wall of Eyes is certainly enough to scratch that moon-shaped itch.

Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, Wall of Eyes doesn’t exactly live up to Radiohead’s turn of the century masterworks, or even say, Hail To The Thief. That being said, it could certainly be played at the same parties, without sounding like a left turn. The title track sets an otherworldly vibe, blending an upbeat guitar with Yorke's dreamy vocals. The layered production, as you might imagine, invites repeated listens, exploring Yorke’s familiar themes of paranoia, public perception and the loss of identity.

"Read The Room" stands out with its dynamic structure, featuring alternating instrumentals and a tension-filled groove. The track shifts abruptly to a ballroom-like chorus, providing an engaging listening experience. "Under Our Pillows" introduces a funky groove, delving into dream-related themes. The song's breakdown mirrors its lyrical themes, gradually succumbing to digital noise. "I Quit" is an album highlight, showcasing lush layers and dynamic contrast, using Yorke's voice as just one of the mysterious instrumentations in a mesmerizing, immersive piece.

As usual, it takes some big words to conjure up even a little of what Radiohead- excuse me, The Smile- sounds like when they’re at their best. Perhaps the best endorsement is that yes, The Smile is indeed worthy of comparison to every art school applicant’s favorite band. B+